Seven-Run 11th Leads to Series-Opening Win

Friday, April 29

Johnson City, TN

1 P.M.

Mercer University

34-8, 8-2

East Tennessee State University

24-14, 6-4

Mercer

ETSU

4/29/2022 5:24:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

Mercer takes first game from ETSU, 10-3

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Mercer exploded for seven runs in the top of the 11^th inning to claim a 10-3 victory over ETSU in Friday afternoon's Southern Conference series opener at Thomas Stadium.

The Bears (34-8, 8-2 SoCon) trailed 3-2 in the seventh before David Burke hit a solo home run to tie the game.

In the top of the 11^th, Mercer loaded the bases with one out when Angelo DiSpigna stepped to the plate and hit an RBI single to center. The Buccaneers also had an error on the play that allowed Treyson Hughes to score as well.

T7 | ALL TIED UP after @DavidBurke04 launched that solo shot all the way back to Macon! Mercer 3, ETSU 3 pic.twitter.com/99Qfe5rZzS — Mercer Baseball (@MercerBaseball) April 29, 2022

The two runs would have been enough, but the Bears tacked on five more in the frame.

Burke again delivered with a two-run double after DiSpigna's run-scoring hit. Two batters later, Burke scored on Antonio Brown's double to right field. Jozsef Rohrbacher then launched a two-run homer to cap the scoring.

Garrett Sloan came out of the bullpen to retire the side, including two on strikeouts.

Jackson Kelley improved to 6-0 after hurling three scoreless stanzas. Ryan Lobus had the quality start for the Bears, as the righthander struck out six in seven strong innings before handing the ball over the bullpen.

Mercer took a 1-0 lead in the ballgame after an error allowed DiSpigna to score.

ETSU responded with two runs in the bottom of the third on back-to-back home runs by Tommy Barth and Bryce Hodge.

T11 | @DavidBurke04 knocks it into the corner for a double to score @Collin_Pricee and @AngeloDiSpigna ! Mercer 7, ETSU 3 pic.twitter.com/eQBMo9l1GE — Mercer Baseball (@MercerBaseball) April 29, 2022

The Buccaneers took a 3-1 advantage in the following frame on Justin Hanvey's groundout.

Blake Schmitt belted a solo homer to lead off the fifth inning, trimming the deficit to a run for the Bears.

Burke, who had the game-tying homer in the seventh, led Mercer at the plate with a 2 for 5 performance that included a double and three RBIs. DiSpigna and Rohrbacher also had two hits apiece.

Matt Bollenbacher (4-1) took the loss for East Tennessee State after giving up six runs in 3.1 innings.

The series will continue Saturday at 2 p.m.

Follow the Bears
For complete coverage of Mercer Baseball, please follow the Bears on social media at @MercerBaseball (Twitter), /MercerBaseball (Facebook) and @Mercer.Baseball (Instagram) or visit the official home of Mercer Athletics at MercerBears.com.

Cosper Inks Free Agent Deal With New York Mets

Friday, August 01

Bradley Frye Signs Free Agent Contract With San Diego Padres

Tuesday, July 15

Ely Brown Selected By Chicago White Sox In MLB Draft

Monday, July 14

Colby Thomas Promoted To Major Leagues By Athletics

Monday, June 30

Next Event

East Tennessee State University

L, 4-6

Apr 30 (Sat)

2 p.m.

Box Score Recap Watch Preview Live stats

Full Schedule

Team Stats

Pitching:

W: Kelley, Jackson (6-0)

L: Matt Bollenbacher (4-1)

Mercer

Batting:

2B: Knight, Bill 1 ; DiSpigna, Angelo 1 ; Burke, David 1 ; Brown, Antonio 1

HR: Burke, David 1 ; Schmitt, Blake 1 ; Rohrbacher, Jozsef 1

RBI: DiSpigna, Angelo 1 ; Burke, David 3 ; Schmitt, Blake 1 ; Brown, Antonio 1 ; Rohrbacher, Jozsef 2

SH: Mapes, William 1

Base Running:

RUNS: Knight, Bill 1 ; Hughes, Treyson 1 ; Price, Collin 1 ; DiSpigna, Angelo 2 ; Burke, David 2 ; Schmitt, Blake 1 ; Brown, Antonio 1 ; Rohrbacher, Jozsef 1